Question

which of the following statements correctly describes the difference between osmosis and simple diffusion? a osmosis refers to the movement of water and simple diffusion refers to the movement of solutes. b osmosis moves water with its concentration gradient and simple diffusion moves water against its concentration gradient. c osmosis is an example of active transport and simple diffusion is an example of passive transport. d osmosis occurs directly through the cell membrane and simple diffusion occurs through a transport protein.

Explanation:

Osmosis is the movement of water across a semi - permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration (down its concentration gradient). Simple diffusion can refer to the movement of solutes or other small non - polar molecules down their concentration gradient. Osmosis is a type of passive transport and involves only the movement of water. Simple diffusion can involve the movement of various substances. Option A correctly states that osmosis is about water movement and simple diffusion is about solute movement. Option B is incorrect as osmosis moves water down its concentration gradient, not against it. Option C is wrong because osmosis is a form of passive transport, not active. Option D is incorrect as osmosis requires a semi - permeable membrane and doesn't occur directly through the cell membrane in the same way as described.

Answer:

A. Osmosis refers to the movement of water and Simple Diffusion refers to the movement of solutes.